Red Route 5 Cycleway

Cycleway impacts on South Galway

This week the preferred route has been published and there are a series of information evening to help clarify the route selection. Some people are very happy that this is progressing and some people are concerned on the impact this could have on their lives. I wanted to look at several aspects of the Cycleway impact in South Galway through some perspectives unique to the area.

Cycleways and Biogas Plant

A major concern for the people of South Galway currently is that a mega-industrial sized Biogas plant has been grated permission by An Bord Pleanala (overturning Galway County Council’s decision) very close to Gort Town. This is now threatening a gloomy future for the town and the community is not taking it without a fight – to the high courts. The following picture presents 2 opposing futures for Gort and South Galway :

Future #1 : A proposed Biogas plant is build. The plant will be spewing out 2 olympic-sized swimming pools of slurry every week to be disposed of in the environs of South Galway. The plant will be located 10m from Gort River and its impact to the river and Coole would be (according to an EIAR) catastrophic. People will stop using Gort River Walk due the smells in the area. See Planned Biogas plant in Gort

Future #2 : The Galway to Athlone Cycleway comes close to Gort and is accessible via the Gort River Walk. People will be able to cycle from Gort to Kinvara on a safe road via Coole Park/Garyland. The route will be used mainly by South Galway communities. There will be no future Biogas applications here.

So what future are we looking at here?

Cycleways and Flooding

There is another interesting perspective here. Coole Park has been very badly threatened by floods (See article the ‘Killing of Coole‘) over the past number of years.

Getting a balanced Cost-Benefit for the emerging flood relief proposal is vital to the future of Coole. A part of that evaluation is Coole Park’s importance as an ecological and tourism site. It’s a fact that Coole Park would generate more flooding benefit (budget) if the visitor numbers were increased – something that would happen with a preferred cycleway were to be adopted. It won’t be the biggest generation of benefit but it is still something that should be considered. It’s something that may be more vital in the future as Coole Park may come under much more environmental pressure for unforeseen angles.

Cycleways and wellbeing

There is a lot of evidence that show how trails and cycleways contribute to the well-being of a community. We can clearly see this in the new Gort River Walk and the appreciation that people have for this locally. The new Cycleway would create for Gort and Kinvara an intimate link between the town centres and Coole Park and this would prove to be a very popular local route for the local communities. Those of a more ambitious nature could traverse from Gort to Kinvara and beyond, or vice versa! At the moment many people hop in their car and drive to Coole – in the future it could be a quick and safe cycle.

The biggest beneficiaries of the Gort – Coole – Kinvara links will be the local communities.

Cycleways and Tourism

Yes, while many cycleways are used a lot by locals, they are also used by people from the greater county, national and international tourists. This can create a great vibrant lifeline to communities along the cycleway path. Business will pop up to meet demand from AirBnB, glamping, camping, food services, tour services, cycling hire, accommodation, etc This will create a more vibrant economy and more local jobs for your family, your extended family, for your community.

The cycleway will also create more demand for public transport which will demand a more sustainable, frequent and accessible public transport infrastructure and service.

There are concerns expressed recently that a million people could be using it. We know that Waterford and Limerick report 250,000 users per year and there are reporting the numbers because they were among the first dedicated cycleways in there areas – However if you look at a national map of emerging greenways then there’s going to a lot of choice in the future.

Cycleways : Green = completed orange proposed , others planned/potential

What this means is that Cycleways will mostly be used by communities local to them

Yes, there are other concerns, it has to be done right, people have to be consulted, environment has to be protected. Some people don’t like the sole of the zig-zag but it’s to avoid cutting farms in half and will make the route more interesting!

South Galway has had it tough with flooding, tough recession, motorways , threatened Biogas etc but it has proven one thing – it is a very resilient community and this emerging cycleway has a chance to bring sustained life and energy into the area.

If you want to have your day for this future of South Galway – call into the Lady Gregory on Wednesday 29th March from 3-8pm

Preferred Route published

The preferred route for the Galway-Athlone Cycleway has been published and can be downloaded here.

galwayathlonepreferred Download

There are a series of information days being held:

The public information events, open from 3pm to 8pm, will take place at the:

Oranmore: Oranmore Lodge Hotel, Tuesday 28^th March at 3-8pm
Gort: Lady Gregory Hotel, Wednesday 29^th March at 3-8pm
Portumna: Town Hall, Thursday 30^th March at 3-8pm
Ballinasloe: Shearwater Hotel, Friday 31st March at 3-8pm

Collaboration is a key part of the Cycleway project

In a statement at Galway County Councils meeting on 12th August the Galway Athlone cycleway team has insisted it has a strong record of collaboration with its dealings with landowners. Their view is outlined below. We will need even more progressive engagement with landowners as the route matures.

The proposed Galway to Athlone National Cycleway project will see the creation of a segregated walking and cycling route linking Ballyloughane Beach in Galway City to Athlone Castle, where it will connect to the existing Athlone to Dublin Cycleway.

The Cycleway will be Ireland’s first dedicated inter-city route for cyclists and walkers. Stretching across the country from Galway City to Dublin City, the Cycleway will be a world class amenity for families, communities and tourists to enjoy.
To identify the emerging preferred route, a series of project objectives were set, including the ‘5S’ criteria set out in the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, published by the Government of Ireland in 2018. The ‘5S’ criteria outline that greenway’s should be Scenic, Sustainable, Strategic, Segregated, and with lots to See and do.

Landowner Engagement

A Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways has been agreed with the main farming organisations and published by the Government. This is to ensure that landowners are treated respectfully and fairly at all stages including construction and operation. The Code of Best Practice also includes a compensation package that was negotiated over a number of years by the farming organisations, local authority representatives and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

Consultation has been an integral element of the project since its commencement. Despite the restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak, consultations on the project, identifying options and selecting an emerging preferred route have been undertaken both virtually and in-person.
The project team includes dedicated project liaison officers who have been engaging directly with landowners since 2021. They have undertaken well over 1500 consultations (either face-to-face meetings or telephone calls) with landowners over the past 15 months (May 2021 to August 2022).
This engagement with landowners has informed the identification of an emerging preferred route corridor that is over 205km in length. The emerging preferred route corridor starts near Ballyloughane Beach to the East of Galway City and then proceeds close to or through the following settlement areas: Oranmore, Rinville, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Kinvara, Gort, Woodford, Portumna, Meelick, Clonfert, Ballinasloe, Shannonbridge, and Athlone Castle. It links places of interest, established tourism centres, public parks, and outdoor amenities.

Approximately 350 potentially impacted private landowner have been identified along the emerging preferred route and extensive engagement is on-going. Where landowners have engaged with this process, they have been listened to and their thoughts and potential issues identified. Where feasible, the route has been amended to address identified issues whilst ensuring the continuity of the route, end to end.

The project team continues to engage with landowners along the emerging preferred route. Meeting directly with landowners on a one-to-one basis is most beneficial for all parties as specific and personal issues can be discussed in confidence and possible solutions identified.

Public Engagement & Public Consultation

Since this project was launched in 2020, the project team has engaged actively with communities, individuals, businesses and landowners throughout the project study area.
Three focused public consultations have been held since 2020. During the second public consultation 11,631 submissions were received on Route Corridor Options between January and March 2021, of which 95% were positive; 3% neutral; 2% negative. Corridor Option 5 (which includes Kinvara / Ballinderreen / Kilcolgan) attracted the highest number of submissions totalling 1,896, the majority of which were positive.

In April 2021, the project team distributed leaflets to 8,500 landowners throughout the project study area setting out our approach to project development and landowner engagement.
During the relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions between May and December 2021, the project liaison officers visited and spoke to landowners and farmers across the project study area which includes approximately 550 telephone calls and 650 face-to-face meetings.
Furthermore, between February and August 2022 the project team have had over 375 meetings or telephone discussions with landowners whose property is within the preferred corridor.
This demonstrates that the project team have and will continue to actively engage with landowners. If any members here today request the project team to meet with any landowner or homeowner looking to meet the team, I can assure you that meeting will take place in a timely manner.
The project team understand that some landowners would prefer to meet them with one or two direct neighbours. The project team are willing to facilitate these meetings in small groups to address specific concerns of those impacted landowners.
Kinvara / Ballinderreen / Kilcolgan
The Kinvara / Ballinderreen / Kilcolgan segment of the Galway to Athlone Castle cycleway is approximately 15km or 7% of the over 205km route.
Earlier this summer, the project team made a commitment to contact all potentially impacted landowners within the preferred corridor by today’s meeting and this has been achieved.

The project team has visited all 53 landowners on whose land the emerging preferred route is proposed; and provided maps to the 47 landowners who were willing to accept the maps for their consideration.
The project team has made telephone calls to all 43 landowners whose land is within the preferred corridor – the emerging preferred route is not located on their land.

Whilst the commitment was to contact all the landowners, the project team, as a result of the above engagement, has identified that some homeowners, not directly impacted by the greenway have concerns about its proposed location. So, in addition to contacting all the landowners as promised the team will also now be contacting all homeowners. We will write to homeowners in the consultation area over the next 2 weeks to update them on the scheme. Also, if deemed beneficial, we can make arrangements to hold an information evening in the area to provide attendees with the latest information on the project.
It should be noted that the project team is very aware of the vulnerability of some landowners, particularly the elderly. In two instances it was decided not to directly contact landowners deemed to be vulnerable. Alternative methods of communication are currently being investigated.
Following previous engagement with landowners in this area we have modified the proposal over a short section (200/300m) where the route is now proposed to run adjacent to the N67 in the form of a Hybrid model.
The project team acknowledge and accept that in providing maps to landowners, it does not imply their acceptance or agreement of the emerging preferred route on their lands. Providing maps to landowners is part of the process of ongoing engagement and facilitates informed discussions with landowners willing to engage with the consultation process.
Since the initial engagements earlier this year on the emerging preferred route with directly impacted landowners in Kinvara / Ballinderreen / Kilcolgan, the route has been amended to prevent the severance of landholdings and, where possible, follow established farm boundaries. Updated maps have been provided to landowners.
Engagement comes in many forms. Text, call, email, one on one meetings. We will engage and consult with people in whichever format they are most comfortable. However, in my near 25 years dealing with landowners over many many schemes there is nothing that can better the one on one interaction where people are free to express their true feelings and thoughts.
Whilst the above process is ongoing and engagement will continue, the issue of ill-informed and misleading comment and opinions must be addressed. For instance, in relation to CPO the team are endeavouring to acquire the necessary lands by voluntary acquisition and to hear comment that the team are using as a threat the CPO process is unfounded and indeed unfair. Certain parties have raised concerns, that both I and the project team find concerning. I have met and discussed with the project team concerns raised by Councillors and others regarding the behaviour and information provided by the project team. I am satisfied that the project team has at all times acted in good faith and behaved appropriately. On behalf of the project team, I would encourage all landowners to engage fully with the consultation process so that their individual concerns can be taken into account in determining the route of the cycleway.

Closing Remarks

The question I am often asked is, “has a route been chosen for the cycleway” and “when will it be built?”. From the work of the project team, there is positivity and support for the project over approximately 90% of the emerging preferred route. Both the project team and Galway County Council remain committed to progressing with the selection of a route between Galway City and Athlone Castle, which will be followed by the design and environmental evaluation in advance of a planning application. In order to finalise the route, I would again reiterate the importance of landowners engaging with the project team, when contacted by the project team so that any concerns may be addressed.

The Galway to Athlone Castle National Cycleway scheme will enhance the national and international attractiveness of the county for activity-based tourism. It will also provide local cycling and walking infrastructure, and connectivity for communities living close to the proposed route, promoting sustainable travel and healthy lifestyles.

The Galway to Athlone Castle National Cycleway scheme has the ability to transform local villages and local economies all along the route here in County Galway, providing a world- class amenity that is Scenic, Sustainable, Strategic, Segregated, and with lots to see and do.

Athlone-Galway Cycleway – On a more positive thread

From looking at recent media articles, there seems to be a lot of concern and anxiety surrounding the emerging Athlone-Galway cycleway. I noticed that a lot of this concern is not necessarily against the cycleway itself but more issues with communications and transparency.

Most of the concerns relate to several landowners highlighting that they have had no contact since the initial consultation. This is causing anxiety with many landowners not knowing what is happening and there doesn’t seem to be much communication about what is going on. These are real concerns so I wanted to look into what’s currently happening and how things are being communicated and shed some light on this. From discussions with different people, including the project team, I found out some interesting things out, but before diving – here’s a brief background to give some context.

Route Corridors

At this stage we have an emerging preferred route defined as a route ‘Corridor’. This corridor is sometimes several kilometers wide to ensure there were many options to investigate when discussing with landowners. In some other cases the corridor is narrower (a few hundred metres).

Within these the project team have been looking at the best options to utilize existing infrastructure, public roads and avoid land severance/splitting. What is currently happening is the task to identity a 5-7 meter wide route within these corridors. In general, if a route is identified through these wider corridors, then it’s more than likely that the many landowners within that particular section of the corridor won’t be impacted.

There is likely to be thousands of potential landowners overall within the current corridor boundaries but at the end of day the cycleway route will impact probably a few hundred. Therefore there will be thousands of landowners who have been initially contacted regarding potential impact of the cycleway but that clearly, in the vast majority of cases won’t actually be impacted at all. But why haven’t the project team being in contact then and let them know? Before clarifying this lets take a look at a some of the progress.

Cycleway requests

While there are several landowners who have come out against the cycleway in any shape or form coming through their lands, on the balance side, there are also several landowners who have contacted the project team who have expressed an interest in the cycleway coming through their lands. In fact the day after the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was published (clarifying the addressing of landowner concerns and compensation), I was contacted by a landowner to ask if the cycleway could come through his land. I put him in touch with the project team and they used this as a basis to discuss with the neighbouring landowners and in many places able to thread several kilometres of a route together with positive landowner agreement.

This threading of different snippets of a route with positive landowner agreement is a complex and time consuming process. It’s like a big maze where a particular thread brings you to a dead end and some backtracking is needed to find a more suitable route. This is the reason it’s hard to say for definite to any landowner that they won’t be impacted, in case further backtracking is needed. This according to the projected team is the reasons they haven’t eliminated any landowner from their inquiries.

Threading an agreed cycleway route is like working through a maze

When I asked the project team about how much of the route is ‘threaded’ at this stage they were reluctant to say but they were clear that there was a lot of positive progression but they didn’t want to put too much emphasis on this as there are lots of ongoing discussions.

The project team have had 450 face-to-face or phonecall meetings since January 2022.

While there have been landowners actively looking for the cycleway to come through their lands it’s more likely that most landowners on balance with the code-of-conduct policy, accept the cycleway as having a moderately positive impact on them and their community.

My own reading of this is that the project team seems to have made significant progress in certain areas and many landowners may not have been contacted as the emerging route may not be going through their land (But with the caveat that there until they finalise the exact route, its impossible to rule anybody out.)

Given that this seems to running against the grain on current public impression, I asked the project team on what they thought was causing the more positive inclination. They mentioned that the Cycleway code-of-conduct has brought a lot of clarifications and solutions to issues raised by landowners, especially around severance, insurance, access, maintenance and compensation package. With this in hand, landowners can make a more informed decision.

There are however, still valid concerns to be addressed on a case-by-case basis. There are farms landowners expressing real concerns about their land being split down the middle. There are some areas where the threading hasn’t yielded a positive result, real concerns still exist and options need to be explored. The project team has indicated that they are in touch with most of these landowners and are still aiming for zero-severance (land splitting) solution.

Derek Pender, director of services at the infrastructure and operations unit, Galway County Council had indicated the the project team is not in the business of severing land and the difficulties that would bring to farmers and that their preference always has been, and always will be, to skirt around the boundaries of properties, where they possibly can.

It will take more time to assess the different options but the project team seems intent on taking that time.

So overall, this is a complex process to thread through a route that is accepted by all. Some positive progress on various threads, a code-of-conduct policy that is helping landowners make more informed decisions, but still many valid concerns to address.

Until the route is finalised thousands of landowners may not know for definite if they will be impacted but if no contact has been made the it’s looking less likely they will be impacted.

This seems like a case of being 90% there in some cases and 90% to go in others.

David Murray.

Ps. The project team is open to discuss any items of concern (or interest) – please.

Email: info@galwaytoathlonecycleway.com
Tel: (091) 509267

Exploring Route 5 Cycleway

As part of the latest public consultation process for the Athlone to Galway Cycleway, the project team is looking for feedback on the Route 5 corridor. This will include feedback on the route through some of the public lands and many people are interested in getting a better understanding of the proposed route. Some of the key questions are typically…..

Where can I access the emerging preferred route?
Is access allowed in these public lands?
What’s the quality of the trail?

Coillte – Open Access Policy

Many of the trails in the Slieve Aughty’s are along Coillte forestry roads. Coillte, through their Recreation Policy, recognise the value of forestry as a recreational resource. According to Coillte, “access on foot is allowed to virtually all of their forest estate of over 1,000,000 acres. Small areas may be restricted from time to time for Health and Safety and other operational reasons or for biodiversity and nature conservation.”

Some notes:

Visitors to heed all warning signs or employee directions – they are there to protect you and our forests.
Visitors are expected to adhere to the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethics.
Please consider others when parking and ensure that you don’t block any forestry barriers
In general, recreational users lands need to be responsible for their own health and safety. (Land occupiers act 1995)

What’s the quality of the current trails?

The quality of trail surface is very variable. So far the trails can be the following:

Public Roads. Typicality good quality surfaces – can be relatively steep in the Slieve Aughty areas
Forestry Roads. Typically compacted stone. Very varied quality. Some high quality easy to cycle on. Some lower quality with very rough stone, small rocks on path, pot-holes, streams running across them, etc. Some can deteriorate to marsh-like surface.
Undeveloped routes – A mixed bag of marshy-sodden ground, bog, dense forest etc. Some are challenging to even walk on.

Most forestry paths are walkable and most are cycle-able with a mountain bike. Undeveloped areas are a challenge and prepare to lose your footware at least once.

Exploring Red Route 5

With the Coillte policy in mind and with consideration of the varying levels of trail quality it is possible to scout or explore several of the route corridor and even give suggestions/feedback to the design team. Some sections of the route are given below please click on image to get on google maps the (P) signs show some of the parking areas.

Several sections of the proposed routes in the Slieve Aughty Mountains utilize forestry roads. Cick on image to view

Click here to access custom Route5 maps that can be used to navigate via Google Maps. Click on some of the parking areas (P) , use goolgle maps to find directions and follow some simple instructions:)

Send back some snaps

As we develop the trail, please send back some good snaps of the route, photos and videos of people walking and, if you can, where they were taken. We can then compile up a virtual route as a resource for peopel who want to explore more parts of the trail.

Send Feedback to Project Team

See something you like, or don’t like? Any nice picnic spots? Is there a better access in area? Send feedback to the project team via info@galwaytoathlonecycleway.com or speak to the team at 091-509267.

Happy exploring and please expect rough but fun trails!

Route 5 is very much alive!

It’s official and it’s incredible! Red Route 5 has been selected as the choice of Route Corridors for the Athlone-Galway Cycleway. The route corridor runs through East and South Galway close to towns like Ballinasloe, Portumna, Woodford, Gort, Kinvara, Kilcolgan, Clarinbridge, Oranmore, and then Galway city along the Wild Atlantic Way

Route 5 has been selected from 5 potential route corridors by the Athlone-Cycleway project consultants based on a range of criteria. The project team was looking at such factors as route diversity, lots to see and do, the strategic value of the route and the level of support for the route. The project team has indicated that the “Route 5 Corridor offers outstanding scenery and variety, all along its length. This has been covered in the this blog.

The news has been very well received by many of the communities along the route.

“This is very good news for some of the rural communities along East and South Galway”, said David Murray, from the Red Route 5 Cycleway Group. “We see clear evidence that cycleways offer many benefits and this route will offer much-needed revitalization to struggling rural communities. It’s also brilliant news for cyclists and walkers as we think that Route 5 offers the most in terms of its diversity, the impressiveness of its scenery, and for the number of things to see and do along the trail.”

“This route corridor selection will mean that people will be able to experience the beautiful scenery in South and East Galway, learn more about its history, heritage and most importantly, get to know its people! “, said Katleen Bell-Bonjean, from the Red Route 5 Cycleway Group and active South Galway cycling advocate. “This will make a vastly unexplored area accessible to cyclists and walkers, both on and off the Greenway, and help boost economy to those areas.”

“The greenway will have a hugely positive effect on the economy and well-being of the towns and villages along and close to the route. “, Karen O’Neill, Vice Chair Burren Lowlands CLG

“As a community group, we are delighted with the announcement that the “Red Route” is the preferred route for the national greenway from Athlone to Galway city and is very much aligned with our goals which are centered on the social and economic development of the communities of South Galway and North Clare.

“The Red Route 5 campaign has shown just how passionate communities can rally around a common aim, and make their voices heard”, said O’ Neill.

“I welcome greatly the selection of the Red Route 5 as the preferred route corridor for the Athlone to Galway Cycleway. “ said Cllr Martina Kinane, Chairperson of ‘Bridge That Gap’

“This is a huge opportunity for many small villages and towns in South Galway to tap into an emerging cycling tourism market, not to mention the many positive benefits for local families in terms of safe cycling infrastructure. The local tourism sector is essential to Oranmore, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan and Kinvara and the Galway – Athlone Cycleway will be a vital enabler to attracting more tourists to these villages”

“The selection of the Red Route affords us an incredible opportunity to economically benefit as a region and in doing so showcase the amazing natural and built heritage of the region. “, said Joe Byrne.

As we progress now to the next, most critical stage of the development, we must ensure all stakeholders, including landowners are engaged with fairly, that the process respects their concerns and ensure we have a win win situation. “

“We believe Woodford has a great story to tell through our history, our biodiversity and our community spirit.”, said Carmel Moore, from the Woodford Parish Development group, “We are excited to be at this initial stage, comhghairdeachas gach duine and we are looking forward to watching the consultation process unfold.”

Red Route 5 Community

The Red Route 5 Group was spearheaded by Katleen Bell-Bonjean and David Murray, with close input from Marin O’ Reilly, Joe O’ Neill, Dave Murray(Oranmore) , Jackie Queally and local Councillors Joe Byrne, Martina Kinnane, Geraldine Donohue, Gerry Finnerty, PJ Murphy and Shane Curley.

There was also strong linkage with interested groups such as Woodford Parish Development Group, Burren Lowlands CLG, Bridge-that-gap (Clarinbridge), etc. There has been a lot of work already done by the Woodford group on the East Galway side (can’t fail to mention Pat Lyons also:)

Beyond that though where the real momentum came from – so many people came on board and offered stores, insights, images – little snippets of their area.

Lots of great photos sent in for our Photo Gallery!
Pat Regan’s stories about Chevy Chase Woods in Kilbeacanty
Hilda O’ Grady’s insights into Kinvara Four Piers – A snapshot of history
Jackit Queally’s insights into Health Benefits of Greenways
David Murray’s perspective on Addressing Landowner Concerns
Claire Egan and Eoin O’ Neills story on A MUSIC OF TIME AND PLACE
… and many more posts.

The Red Route 5 Cycleway was supported by an active Facebook page of over 2,400 members as this website became a snapshot of the potential of the route.

There was great support coming from within the community and a lot of energy from the likes of Aoife Lynskey Keane, Hilda O’ Grady, Katharina Baker and Katleen. We had great support from many schools in the region including Gort Community School (Shout out to Aoife, Marianne Gardiner and Principle Brian Crossan). Suzanne Wunsch did many video shoots around the place also! From Red-Route Biscuits, to art, to red shoes and bikes – impossible to mention all but it is possible to say a ‘thank you’ to all!

Some of the support videos for Red Route 5!

“I think what has really helped here is the wider support we got from the communities along the route”, said Bell-Bonjean, “We have had strong participation from community groups, businesses, schools and the wider communities across social media. We also have to acknowledge the progressive landowner response that we have received and also the strong support from our local Councillors.”

Spines and Links

The best thing about this process is that many routes were reviewed and analyzed and already there are moving parts here to connect other areas to the emerging preferred routes so – this will be a win-win for all and we would like to acknowledge the great work that all the routes put in to highlight their potential. We look forward to some of the best greenways throughout the entire county and beyond!

Cautiously optimistic

While it’s very good news to East and South Galway that the potential of this route has been proven – there will be some key challenges to address before this becomes a reality for our communities. While most of the land is public, there are areas where it meets private lands so landowner engagement will be the heart of any success here and we now need to approach this sensitively and respectfully.

That is the next stage of the consultation process which will be doing the next level of feedback. Its important to have you say (there is no bad!)

How to contact the project team?

Call the Project Office : (091) 509267
Email : info@galwaytoathlonecycleway.com
Schedule an appointment https://bit.ly/BookYRappointment
Written feedback to the Project Team : https://bit.ly/redcorridor5
Visit their website: www.galwaytoathlonecycleway.com
Want to see the proposed Corridor? :https://bit.ly/MapCorridor5

Public Consultation open Now (Click To Enter)

We look forward optimistically but cautiously but for new Red Route 5 is very much alive!

Thanks to all who supported! It will be so well worth it!

Please look at how you can support Route 5 and thanks again!

David Murray, on Behalf of Red Route Cycleway Group

Cycleway announcement imminent

The emerging preferred route corridor for the Athlone-Galway cycleway will be announced on Tuesday 7th September and also to kickstart the next public consultation phase.

5 routes have been selected initially but only one route will become the emerging preferred route. From 9am-10:30m the emerging preferred route corridor will be presented to our local County Conuncillors, including reasons for route selection and the next steps to advancing the project. There has to be another phase of consultation to whittle down to the exact route!

We recently wrote about why we thought the Red Route 5 was the best cycle way choice so it’s fingers crossed & thanks for all the Support to date!

David Murray

Red Route 5 – The best cycle way choice

There are 5 main choices in the Athlone-Galway Cycle way but against the grain the Red Route – Route 5 has emerged as a very strong candidate. The reason for this position is that

It is the best match to the selection critera
It’s the most popular route by far
It has the best support
It is, by far, the overall best route

Let’s have a quick look at why this is the case.

It offers the best for the route selection criteria

The route selection criteria is based on many factors. The project consultants are looking for a route that offers diversity, scenery, and many things to see and do. It also needs to be strategic and link up with other green initiatives – Blueways, cycleways etc. Route 5 has by far the best-case for selection because:

It offers an incredibly scenic and the most diverse route with Weirs, Mountains, Peatland, Rivers, and coasts and rich heritage features. Provides rich background for biodiversity and geodiversity
It contains the highest number of National Parks, Nature reserves and protected habitats, and golden miles and forest Parks.
It offers the most to See-and-Do
It is the most strategic with links to Shannon Blueways, East Clare Walk Ways, Wild Atlantic Way and contribute to both Eurovelo Route 1 (Altlantic Route) and Eurovelo Route 2 (Capitals Route). It offers the best experience to Galway City residents and visitors, which will have a significant proportion of Greenway users
It delivers the biggest impact to re-energise our most disadvantaged rural communities
Has an incredible amount of support from the communities along the way
Has the highest levels of public lands to offer better route segregation
It is the most popular route.

Route 5 is the most popular route

During public consultation Route 5 got the highest number of individual votes. The total individual votes was 1896 votes, 16% ahead of Route 1 (Green) and 26% more than the Route 4 the yellow route. This was despite a recognized flaw in the consultation maps where many people in East Galway thought that their only option was Route 4.

Public Consultation : Individual route voting

Many of the routes were linked with Facebook accounts that are followed. Route 5 Facebook page has 2400 members which is 78% more than the closest route (4) with 1343 likes. ‘Members’ are also more difficult to get than ‘likes’ which makes the site much more popular than it appears.

While many of the other Facebook sites have stalled after public consultation (1st March was last announcement on Epic Route 4, the Red Route Cycleway Facebook page remains very active e.g has had 72 posted/commented items in the past month with 14,282 views. Route 5 Cycleway has its own website that showcases the fantastic benefits of the Cycleway and also has several blog articles presenting some jewels along the route including latest blog article Kinvara, Experience a cool village vibe, or Chevy Chase Woods in Kilbeacanty.

One thing that has been pointed out is that Route 5 is the longest route between Athlone and Galway and therefore shouldn’t be considered but this has been far out-weighted by peoples response that this isn’t a race, they are not looking for speed but for experience and that Route 5 offers the best experience. This has also been reflected in the public consultation response where the fastest route (2) is the least popular route.

Another key area of popularity is that this route offers Galway City access to the Wild Atlantic way via a cycle way. It has been shown that most cycle way users are people living along the cycle way and this Wild Atlantic Way linkage will prove very popular.

Route 5 has the best support

Route 5 has had a huge amount of public support. We saw that it was the most popular from public consultation and from looking at social media support. It’s not just about social media support, it also had the most support on the ground. This has been summarized in the article Phenomenal Support for Route 5! but in summary, route 5 has had great support from schools, businesses, artists. We have had painted red bikes ,artwork, cookies etc. But also many landowners have been engaging with the process.

Red Route 5 is, by far, the overall best route

Initially Route 5 seemed to be an afterthought in the route options and it seemed inevitable that the route simply ‘must’ go through Athenry. The reality though, is that the route offers the best for most of the selection criteria and on paper should be the top candidate.

When looking at the route selection criteria, the popularity of the route and the overall support, Route 5 is, by far, the best option for a cycleway between Athlone and Galway!

Kinvara, Experience a cool village vibe

Where do you start ?

When you drive into Kinvara, you will take in one of the most photographed castles in Ireland, Dunguaire Castle, the ‘’fort of Guaire’’, which stands proud on a hill overlooking Kinvara bay. Do you know, it’s not really a castle. It’s actually a tower that was built by the O’Hynes clan on the shores of Kinvara bay in the 16^th century.

The castle got its name from ‘’Guaire’’ who reigned over Kinvara and the local area. His reign was a time of plenty and he always sought to do right by his people. In an excerpt from the ourheritage.org website the following story is recounted.

‘’He sheltered those who suffered loss or hardship, he made fair judgements in times of crisis and he treated nobleman and tenants with the same dignity and respect due to all humanity. For that he was much loved. It was said he gave so generously that the giving caused his right arm to grow longer than his left. One day, his dishes took flight…………’’. Now for the rest of that story you will learn more when you visit Kinvara and the many places around Gort that Guaire governed.

Just a little on the towers’ previous and present day owners. The tower was brought from St John Gogarty and renovated by Christobel Lady Amptill in 1954, who competed the final restoration. The castle has since being taken over by Shannon heritage. What makes this castle stand out is not just its attractive setting. This castle and its history are at the heart of Ireland’s literary revival in the early 20^th century. Gogarty often hosted writers such as Synge, W.B.Yeats, Shaw, Martin and O’Casey. In fact, WB Yeats was accompanied on occasion by his patron Lady Gregory of Coole park. Which says something about this part of the world, its attraction and inspiration to writers to move and live beyond the literary capital of Ireland Dublin. Again a unique part of our national history and experience to visit throughout the Red Route. Why not walk in their footsteps and look at the views that inspired them to live and write about this beautiful area from Kinvara to Gort, Thor Ballylee. Today, you can visit the castle, climb up to the top of the castle, and indeed experience the banquets held between April and October each year.

Once you leave Dun Guaire castle, your eyes will be drawn first to our quaint pier as you drive into Kinvara, which to this local still grabs their attention every time. Kinvara quay was built in 1773 by the late J. French, Esq. As you sit on the benches from each part of the pier, you get to experience the west of Ireland magical light, that changes so quickly at times reflecting the sparkling water of Kinvara bay which is truely special. Dunguaire castle stands majestically over Kinvara bay and the vista from all angles produces many magical colours and shades. Many photographers strive to get their best picture of this castle. We are lucky to have a number of great photographers who live in Kinvara, who each it’s fair to say have their iconic shot(s) that we all love. Check out their photos on our Red route cycleway website. Why not share your favourite pictures from Kinvara on the multiple Red Route Cycleway social media channels. We would love to have them form part of our growing Red route cycleway photo gallery.

Dunguaire Castle Banquet, Dunguaire Castle Facebook

Kinvara Pier evening shot, Source Andreas Riemenschneider, Doorusphoto.

***Kinvara Pier, Source Hilda O’Grady***

Walking throughout the village of Kinvara, one is met with an array of rainbow coloured buildings. Which add to the quaintness and charm of this beautiful village. Take in these colourful pubs, homes and businesses on Main Street and surrounding the pier as you complete the heritage trail and learn about the past history of this village (takes about an hour).

Some of Kinvara’s colourful buildings, Source Paul Dunne

Check out the largest thatch roof in Ireland the Merriman hotel. Visit and experience our art gallery ran by our visual arts group KAVA (Kinvara Area Visual Arts), who hold regular exhibitions in the courthouse, pubs and restaurants in the village throughout the year. Kinvara also has a great Farmers market held on a Friday from March to October. This market will hit all of your senses offering a variety of artisan cheeses, coffee, great selection of breads, fruit, vegetables, music by local musicians, crafts, flowers, art and so much more. With a great selection of quality restaurants, cool cafes, art galleries, craft and design shops and pubs surrounding and just off the pier you are set. This is a place to wander and take your time…..

The Merriman Hotel, Irelands Largest Thatch building, Source Paul Dunne

Kinvara Farmers Market, Source Hilda O’Grady

Festivals and Events Calendar

Kinvara has a calendar to envy larger towns with two great festivals Fleadh Na gCuach and the Cruinniu Na mbad which is held each August. The pier is the focal point for our Cruinniu Na Mbad festival held every August. It is worth noting that the Cruinniu Na mBad festival is over 40 years old. This festival is reputedly one of the longest running maritime festivals in Ireland. Another popular event held annually in March, sees athletes and runners from all over Ireland come to Kinvara for the Kinvara Rock and Road marathon. Its known as a challenging marathon providing iconic views of the Burren and Kinvara. Kinvara offers a lot in terms of après marathon as an experience. This marathon is seen by many as the starting point of the marathon year.

Kinvara has long enjoyed a reputation for Traditional music. Fleadh na gCuach (The Cuckoo festival) is held every year at the beginning of May and has been a major showcase for the music scene in Kinvara since 1994. By night, locals and tourists alike, while away the evening making their way around all of the pubs. Today music can be found in most pubs in the village from Tullys, Greenes, Sextons, Keoghs and Connollys. The artistic mix in the village also includes the vibrant KAM music group, KAVA artists group and many writers who collectively made this village a melting point of cultural activity.

Perfect base

Kinvara for visitors offers a base that you can access many parts of the Burren lowlands and Red route providing opportunities for fantastic experiences for all ages and interests. For children and lovers of the Burren, the award winning Burren Nature Santuary is a must. From Kinvara, you can access many hikes and walking trails for all abilities, including Garryland, Coole Park and Abbey hill. Check out the BurrenBeo Burrenmap for a useful list and locations of many monuments, view points, nature reserves and walks in Kinvara and the Burren available in shops and accomodations in the village. The list goes on and includes experiences from visiting a chocolate and bean bar (Hazel mountain) and a range of wellbeing and farm experiences. A number of these businesses are part of the award winning ‘’Burren EcoTourism Network’’. Their network primary objective is to promote sustainable tourism at the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. In fact in 2020, they won a prestigious travel award from the Lonely Planet.

What also makes the Red Route Cycleway unique is its connection to the sea. You can swim, kayak and paddle board from Kinvara pier, Traught or any of our four piers. You can also continue on the Euro velo route to cycle and see the Burren in North Clare. Plus see some more hidden gems less well known along and off the Red Route Cycleway. You could even take a boat to Island Eddy, Parkmore, Green Island, Connemara or Galway city.

***Wet Mongrels Adventure, Source Hilda O’Grady***

Within Kinvara and Galway bay, we are also fortunate to have two organisations, which focus on our rich maritime and land heritage. The village of Kinvara is the base for the Burren Beo Trust, a landscape charity which is dedicated to connecting all of us to our places and our role in caring for them throughout the Burren. Cuanbeo, is another community based organisation established with a mission of improving the quality of life, environment, economy and heritage around Galway bay. Providing significant synergies in terms of protecting, conserving and promoting sustainable and slow tourism. And indeed truly unique experiences for all who visit live and work in South Galway along the Red Route.

Kinvara delivers an array of enjoyable experiences for all. With the backdrop of Dunguaire Castle, the magical St. Comans church, a quaint port, a vibrant artistic culture, it certainly does not disappoint. Like all of the Redroute cycleway stops, Kinvara provides adventure and a range of outdoor activities for all interests and appetites. The common factor and some would say the X factor in Kinvara is our People. For the past forty years in particular, Kinvara has welcomed many nationalities, artists, writers and people from all over world. From the openness of people, positive vibes, some would say even liberalism, love for the environment, arts and sports energise this unique village. Most of all it is the chat, wit and craic that people will experience and remember in our cafes, restaurants, pubs, art gallery, craft shops and all our retail outlets. You will need to come and experience it yourself on the Red route.

Credits

Most of the photos which form part of this blog have been taken by Paul Dunne, another local landscape photographer who loves to shoot around Kinvara and the Burren. All other photos to the best efforts of this blog writer have been acknowledged. Apologies for any credits not made clear.

Other Sources

www.dungauraire.com, www.burrenbeotrust.ie, www.cuanbeo.ie

Phenomenal Support for Route 5!

Route 5 has garnered a huge amount of public support. A very active Facebook page, a comprehensive website and whole communities has reacted very positively and creatively. In just 4 weeks …

We have launched a very very active Facebook public group which exploded to 2000 members, most of which are active! At time of this article, there was an average of 12 member post per day. There is also an active twitter feed!
We have a comprehensive website (this one!) with over 70 pages with several authors contributing to blog articles. 7,000 visitors and 13,230 page views. The Blog deals with Diversity, Health benefits of Greenways and aspects like ‘Addressing Landowner Concerns‘ which has had 188 reads.
We have had many businesses supporting the Red Route with Facebook posts of 1000s of photos and videos that has helped us showcase what we have on Route 5
The creativity has been incredible. We have had bikes painted red (Gort Community School), artwork, cookery (Red Route Cookies and pancakes!), music (Coole Music). Gort Community School also did a Route 5 Video Production.
We had 70+ people on a public Zoom call to understand more about Route 5. Our local County Councillors Joe Byrne, Gerry Finnerty, Martina Kinane, Geralding Donohue and P.J. Murphy and Minister Anne Rabbitte have strongly supported Route 5.